Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Platteville is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The project includes the replacement of lead service lines in the City of Platteville.

Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the SDWLP federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The SDWLP has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by June 21, 2021, to:

Department of Natural Resources
C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2
101 S. Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608-234-2238 or Email: Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRpress@wisconsin.gov
DHS Communications 
DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov

New PFAS Fish Consumption Advisories For Yahara Chain Of Lakes And Waterways To The Rock River

Elevated Levels of PFAS Found

MADISON, Wis. – Based on results from fish sampling conducted in 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Health Services (DHS) are recommending new PFAS-based fish consumption advisories for Yahara Chain waters in Dane and Rock counties.

Elevated levels of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), a type of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance), were found in several fish species collected from lakes Monona, Kegonsa and Waubesa.

As a result, the DNR and DHS have developed new PFAS fish consumption advisories that includes Yahara Chain waters from Wingra Creek, Starkweather Creek, Lake Monona, Lake Waubesa, Upper and Lower Mud Lakes, Lake Kegonsa and the Yahara River downstream to where it meets the Rock River. 

The risk of health problems increases with the amount of contaminated fish you eat. Following consumption advisories will help protect you from excess PFOS exposure and other contaminants found in fish, including mercury and PCBs. A complete list of consumption advisories can be found in the 2020-2021 Choose Wisely booklet.

The DNR and DHS are recommending the consumption of one meal per month for the following species:

• Crappie
• Largemouth bass
• Northern pike
• Walleye

The DNR and DHS are also recommending the consumption of one meal per week for the following species:

• Bluegill
• Pumpkinseed
• Yellow perch (Note: Consumption guidelines for yellow perch are changing from one meal per month to one meal per week.)

Low levels of PFOS were found in the fish sampled from Lake Mendota and Lake Wingra. As such, PFOS consumption advisories will not be issued for those lakes. However, the PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls)-based advisories for common carp of one meal per month are still in place for lakes Wingra and Monona. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products, including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam. These legacy contaminants have made their way into the environment in a variety of ways, including spills of PFAS-containing materials, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants, and use of certain types of firefighting foams. Scientists are still learning about the health effects that various PFAS can have on the body. A large number of studies in people have examined possible relationships between levels of PFAS in blood and harmful health effects in people. However, most of these studies analyzed only a small number of chemicals, and not all PFAS have the same health effects. This research suggests that high levels of certain PFAS may increase cholesterol levels, decrease responsiveness to vaccines, and decrease fertility in women, among other health effects. More information is available on the DHS website. Yahara Chain Surface Water and Fish Tissue Sampling The sampling of surface water and fish from the Yahara Chain is part of a broader initiative by the DNR to better understand PFAS in the environment across Wisconsin. In 2019, surface water samples were collected from Starkweather Creek and Lake Monona – both of which were found to be contaminated by PFAS. Fish tissue samples taken from Starkweather Creek and Lake Monona showed elevated levels of PFOS, which led to a consumption advisory issued by the DNR and DHS in January 2020 for fish caught in those areas. In 2020, the DNR sampled surface water from lakes Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Upper Mud, Waubesa and Kegonsa for PFAS compounds and varying concentrations of PFAS were identified in all the lakes. PFOS concentrations were highest in Lake Monona and decreased downstream. Lakes Mendota and Wingra, upstream of Lake Monona, were seen to have lower concentrations. The DNR has also collected PFAS information on other waterbodies across the state. Generally, PFAS contamination has been found to be widespread. Additional information on surface water and fish tissue PFAS sampling in Wisconsin is available on the DNR’s website. Addressing PFAS contamination in the environment is part of Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide initiative to ensure Wisconsinites have access to safe drinking water. The governor’s 2021-23 biennial budget unveiled in February proposes significant resources for the monitoring and testing of PFAS including over $20 million over the next two years for assistance and resources to local communities that are impacted by PFAS contamination, and resources and increased capacity to monitor and test for PFAS across Wisconsin. Additional fish consumption advice and information on PFAS can be found on the DNR’s website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2021
Contact: Kevin Olson, DNR Community Financial Assistance Specialist
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-234-2238

DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of City Of Ripon Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Ripon is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The project includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the City of Ripon.

Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the SDWLP federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The SDWLP has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by June 23, 2021 to:

Department of Natural Resources
C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2
101 S Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608-234-2238 or Email: Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2021
Contacts: Andrea Zani, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine Managing Editor
Andrea.Zani@wisconsin.gov or 608-267-9517

Kathy Kahler, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine Associate Editor
Kathryn.Kahler@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-2625

Get The Buzz On Bumblebees With
Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine 

Summer Issue Available Now

The rusty patched bumblebee is federally endangered and a species of special concern in Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – Celebrate summer and Wisconsin’s pollinators in the upcoming issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine available now. 

The Summer issue explores how the sound of a single bee, identified by a field ecologist, led to an exciting discovery late last summer in Milwaukee County: a nest of the rare rusty patched bumblebee.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was alerted of the find, setting off a buzz of research activity that conservation experts hope will aid efforts for the continued support of this federally endangered species.

Read all about the rare rusty patched bumblebee and learn ways to help this special bee and other pollinators.

Additional stories featured in the Summer issue include:

• The DNR celebrates the 75^th anniversary of the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area, a key player in data collection and science that supports the state’s rich angling tradition.
• Anniversaries abound! Celebrate the 70^th year of the DNR’s State Natural Areas Program with a story that looks back and looks ahead, examining how the program is adapting to meet the state’s future conservation needs.
• Sailing may be a lesser-known activity in the state, but it also has a rich history. Learn about Wisconsin’s sailing roots.
• Paddling gets its due, too, with a look at a new online guide to state waterways, developed by a veteran river lover who has paddled more than 300 Wisconsin rivers and streams.
• Baseball icon Hank Aaron, who died in January, is remembered with a look at the state trail in Milwaukee named in his honor. Aaron spent much of his professional career in the city and remained involved in the community for many years. The Hank Aaron State Trail helps to connect adjacent Milwaukee neighborhoods to important outdoor activities.
• Applaud outdoor endurance feats, including stories of long-distance swimming, running and a 1,200-mile off-season solo hike on Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
• A special report in this issue offers in-depth coverage of ongoing work to support Wisconsin’s Great Lakes, crucial natural resources “to cherish and champion,” as the report notes.
• And a pullout card highlights fire safety, including a hands-on Smokey Bear project for kids.

Plus, learn from DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole about how the agency is working to protect the planet and the people of Wisconsin by the simple act of planting trees.

“Forests are woven into the culture of Wisconsin — where 17 million acres of forestland cover nearly half the state,” said Cole. From providing jobs and recreational opportunities to safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate change, forests “are vital to our social, ecological and economic well-being.”

Find all this and more in the latest print issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources and online at wnrmag.com. Subscribe here for just $8.97 for four issues, or call 1-800-678-9472.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2021
Contact: Laurie Ross, NRB Board Liaison 
Laurie.Ross@wisconsin.gov or 608-267-7420
DNR Office of Communications 
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Wisconsin NRB Meeting June 23

Deadline For Remote Appearance Requests And Written Comments
11 a.m. June 16

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will meet in-person for the June board meeting to consider several proposed rules, hearings, management and master plans, land items and donations. The Board also will receive an information update on Chronic Wasting Disease.

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, originating from Public Meeting Room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-4 and 7-8 as listed on the Agenda.

The public is encouraged to watch the June board meeting on the DNR’s YouTube channel.

The deadline for remote public appearance requests and written comments is 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. There will be no in-person appearances.

The Board will be considering:

• Proposed rules affecting chapters NR 404, 407, 408, 428 and 484 related to incorporation of the 2015 national ambient air quality standards for ozone
• Proposed rules affecting chapters NR 350 related to wetland mitigation
• Proposed rules affecting chapters NR 130, 131, 132, and 182 related to nonferrous metallic mining activities
• Proposed rules affecting chapter NR 20 and 25 related to fish harvest in Lake Superior
• Proposed rules affecting chapter NR 20 related fishing guide licenses and reporting requirements
• Proposed rules affecting chapter NR 20 related to fishing regulations on inland, outlying and boundary waters (the 2021 Fisheries Management Spring Hearings rule)
• Proposed rules affecting chapter NR 20 related to Minocqua Chain walleye harvest regulations
• Proposed rules affecting chapter NR 20 related to lake trout harvest and season in Lake Michigan
• Statement of Scope, public hearing notice and notice of submittal of proposed rules to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse, for proposed rules affecting chapter NR 811 to update, correct and clarify existing code requirements and add requirements for new technologies related to community drinking water system sources, source water quality, storage, treatment, and distribution
• Statement of Scope, public hearing notice and notice of submittal of proposed rules to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse, for proposed rules affecting chapter NR 140 related to setting numerical standards to minimize the concentration of polluting substances in groundwater based on the Department of Health Services’ recommendations for creation of Cycle 11 groundwater enforcement standards, including some PFAS and pesticide compounds
• Statement of Scope, public hearing notice and notice of submittal of proposed rules to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse, for proposed rules affecting chapter NR 809 related to the promulgation of new drinking water maximum contaminant levels for 12 additional Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and combined standards for 4 PFAS
• Statement of Scope, public hearing notice and notice of submittal of proposed rules to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse, for proposed rules affecting chapters NR 8, 10, 12 and 19 related to gray wolf harvest regulations
• Antlerless deer harvest quotas, antlerless permit levels and a deer hunting season framework for 2021

The complete June NRB meeting agenda is available on the DNR website here.

In addition to being encouraged to watch the upcoming June meeting, there are opportunities for the public to testify and to submit written comments about issues that come before the NRB. More information regarding public participation at Board meetings is available here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DNR Assisting With Cleanup Of Manure Spill
Near The Town Of Merrill

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is assisting with the investigation of a manure spill that occurred at a dairy farm in southern Lincoln County that resulted in a fish kill in Devil Creek.

On the evening of June 9, 2021, the DNR was notified of an unknown amount of liquid manure running off of a field into Devil Creek, a cool-cold headwater stream and tributary of the Wisconsin River, resulting in an observable fish kill at multiple locations within Devil Creek.

The manure release was reported to have originated off of Joe Snow Road, approximately 4 miles southwest of the Town of Merrill, Lincoln County, Wisconsin. The source of the manure originated from open valve on a manure pit at a medium-sized dairy operation. The duration of the spill and quantity release is still under investigation. The DNR will continue to work with the farm and other applicable local agencies to continue to investigate the release. 

No further details are available at this time. The DNR will share additional information as it becomes available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2021
Contact: Kevin Olson, DNR Community Financial Assistance Specialist
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-234-2238

DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of City of Milwaukee Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Milwaukee is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The project includes the replacement of lead service lines in the City of Milwaukee.

Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the SDWLP federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The SDWLP has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by June 25, 2021, to:

Department of Natural Resources
C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2
101 S Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608-234-2238 or Email: Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

UPDATE: DNR Assisting With Cleanup Of Manure Spill
Near The Town Of Merrill, Investigation Ongoing

MERRILL, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is assisting with the investigation of a manure spill that occurred at a dairy farm in southern Lincoln County.

On June 9, 2021, the DNR was notified of an unknown amount of liquid manure running off of a field into Devil Creek, resulting in an observable fish kill at multiple locations within the creek and the Wisconsin River.

The manure release was reported to have originated off of Joe Snow Road, approximately 4 miles southwest of the Town of Merrill, Lincoln County, Wisconsin.

The source has been identified and no additional manure is being released from the manure pit. Some additional run off may occur but the scene is secure and stabilized.

The DNR is continuing to monitor the situation and investigate the release. In addition, our Emergency Response Zone Contractor has staged a vac truck nearby which will remain through the weekend should the situation deteriorate.

The amount of manure and duration of the release is still unknown. Water quality continues to improve.

No further details are available at this time.